Kitchen
In an open-plan space with few walls to work with, it may seem counterintuitive to give up an entire wall for storage, but it can be well worth it. In the space shown here, the homeowners could have gone with a small buffet that took up three-quarters of the wall, offering very little storage. Instead, the wall-size cabinets they installed can hold everything from dishes and linens to pantry goods.
Pendant lights above an island. The size of pendants themselves may vary according to ceiling height, but typically I like to see pendants 40 to 43 inches above the finished counter. I prefer a slightly higher pendant for no overhead distractions. The number of pendants will vary according to the size of your island, but two to four is typical.
1. Paint the walls a different color than the shelves. This pantry feels playful with its vibrant blue walls behind a standard shelving system. The color, Benjamin Moore's San Clemente Teal, is unexpected, and it feels like no bad meal could come from the ingredients stored here. Choose a wall color that evokes the mood you'd like to be in when you come to the pantry after a long day at work.
Bottle holder. Display your wine bottles next to your stemware, all underneath your wall cabinets. Just be sure to mount this away from your range or cooktop, so the bottles don't feel the heat.
Stemware rack. If you are tight on kitchen storage space, you'll want to make use of every nook and cranny you can. Here's a great option for storing your stemware under a wall cabinet. I've mounted a similar rack inside a cabinet, and I really like its functionality — you can store a good number of glasses in a small amount of space without the risk of having them tip over onto one another like dominoes. I should note that this may not be the best storage option if you don't use the glasses very often, or if you don't have adequate ventilation in your kitchen, as the stemware is likely to attract grease and dust.
Jar opener. For those who struggle with opening bottles and jars, here's a clever gadget that's easy to mount under your wall cabinet. This would make an excellent gift for someone who suffers from arthritis, or anyone else who could use some assistance with tough-to-open lids.
Wusthof Under-Cabinet Knife Block - $39.95 Knife block. I realize undercabinet knife blocks aren't exactly new technology, but this model from Wusthof is notable for its slim profile. It also conveniently swings in and out with the touch of a finger.
Power. You've spent time and money selecting and installing the perfect backsplash tile, so don't mar the beautiful surface with outlets. An undercabinet outlet strip gives you a plethora of plugs — and always one right where you need it — without a line of receptacles all across your lovely backsplash. If, however, you tend to keep your countertop appliances plugged in, you may not enjoy seeing the cords dangle down from underneath your cabinets. More about hiding plugs and outlets
Lighting. Even if you're a minimalist who prefers to keep the area under your wall cabinets clear, consider installing some lighting. Undercabinet lights provides crucial illumination for food prep and, if dimmable, work well as a nightlight once the kitchen is closed for the evening. My current preference for undercabinet lighting is low-profile LED (light-emitting diode) strip lights. LED lighting technology is continually advancing, so check with your local lighting retailer or electrical contractor to see what is the best option for your kitchen. Prices vary depending on size and quality, but you can currently get 12-inch strips starting around $20. Read more about LED lighting
Depending on your particular undermount sink, you may have some options regarding the reveal — or how much or little of the top of the sink is visible just below the inside edge of the countertop. I tend to prefer a no-reveal, or zero-reveal, look — just a smooth, straight drop from the countertop into the sink. This makes the sink and surrounding countertop area super easy to clean, as there is no ledge for food particles to collect in. You can also specify a "negative reveal" where the countertop extends over the edge of the sink. I think a slight negative reveal —⅛ inch or less — is fine, but any more than that and you run the risk of breaking dishes on the overhanging lip of the countertop as you lift them out of the sink. I would also be wary about not being able to see and maintain the water-tight seal between the sink and countertop — it can be difficult to view with a negative reveal.
Undermount This is my favorite mounting type for a sink. I like the clean look, not to mention the easy-to-clean design. You can undermount a sink to any sturdy, non-porous countertop, such as natural stone, concrete, quartz and solid surfacing. I have heard of successful applications to wood countertops, but extra care must be taken to protect the wood from water. There are also laminate countertop manufacturers that claim you can undermount a sink to their material. Discuss with your countertop retailer to see if this is an option for you.
Repurposed. If you're on a tight budget, you don't need to skimp on your sink's style. Reusing a salvaged sink can add tons of character to your new kitchen. Browse local thrift stores, salvage shops, Craigslist or the newspaper to find a hidden gem. While most nicks and scratches just enhance the sink's character, they can often be easily repaired by a professional if you like.
Another combo to try: simple cupboards kicked up a notch with elegant handles
1920s-era jelly cabinet in the kitchen
A nook for standard-depth cabinetry on the left side of the door contains a small above-counter pantry with rollouts, open shelves for displaying cookbooks and an appliance garage. Specialized spots for cutting boards and trays make putting things away from the adjacent dishwasher simple.
To make the most of the light, the designers enlarged the back wall of windows and eliminated some upper cabinetry. Instead, extra-deep drawers provide more storage space that's much easier to access. A microwave drawer can be reached by each member of the family. Microwave drawer: Sharp, 24 inches
8. Comfortable cork tile in San Francisco. Tongue and groove cork planks, finished with a simple clear stain, line the floors of this historic Queen Anne kitchen. Not only does this material feel great underfoot, but it also patinates beautifully, which will add to this 120-year-old kitchen's storied feel.
2. Affordable plaid tile in Minneapolis. Using vinyl tile (VCT) not only cut down on cost, but it afforded this family some unique design opportunities. Using three different tile colors, Fiddlehead Design Group created a fresh but traditional plaid pattern, inspired by a fabric the clients love.
Wood. Wood countertops are very popular and look stunning — and so does a matching short splash. Make sure that your contractor and installer use a waterproof silicone adhesive to stick the backsplash to the countertop. Water leaking behind your wood splash will cause rot over time — which can be expensive to clean up.
Solid surface. When purchasing a solid-surface countertop material — such as Corian or Avonite — you have the option to place a matching 4-inch-high piece against the back wall. Look into having the material coved, too — the fabricator can add a slight curve where the backsplash meets the countertop, making it seamless. This is great in kitchens because they can be such wet areas, and the seamless corner prevents water from leaking behind the backsplash.
Extended height. Four inches is the average height of a short backsplash, but you can opt for a slightly higher half-wall backsplash. This homeowner went to the bottom of the window casings for a seamless transition from countertop to window. This is a great look that still saves money — I do this one all the time!
For cabinet hardware choose something simple and straightforward. I like the look and feel of these classic bin pulls.
Solid-Surface Kitchen Counters Is it stone, wood or plastic? This miracle material has the ability to emulate just about any look without the same damage risk or maintenance. Prices range from $50 to $100 per square foot, depending on the manufacturer.
Concrete Kitchen Counters Pigments, stains and dyes can create concrete counters with color and visual texture. With the right sealer, a concrete counter can be well worth its cost — at least $100 to $150 per square foot installed.
Zinc Kitchen Counters [mix and match materials/colors] You don't see zinc countertops in many modern kitchens, but this metal has a warmth that has made it popular for centuries. Zinc's tone darkens with time, adding patina. Its antimicrobial properties make it a smart choice for a cooking space. This beautiful material typically costs $100 and up per square foot, installed.
the table folds flat to the wall, and hooks hoist the stools out of the way.
walnut table built at counter height to create extra prep space.
A different Anthropologie knob on every drawer and cabinet reflects the homeowners' eclectic taste.
Flip up table on wall to the right
Door knobs and handles
Feet. Add some flair to the bottom of your cabinets with decorative feet. Feet are fitted and adhered under the toe kick. Add them to one cabinet for a slight touch of detail or to every cabinet for a cohesive look. If you're working on a budget, try adding feet to just the sink base or cooktop cabinet to make the piece look like freestanding furniture.
Aprons. The apron is the piece of wood that travels under and around the countertop overhang. The standard apron height is approximately 3 inches, which can leave enough room for legs under the island countertop if the seat height is average.
Canisters, tins and storage jars. Glass jars with metal tops, colorful cookie and tea tins, and enamelware canisters all make excellent storage containers for pantry essentials. The bonus, of course, is that they are pretty enough to leave out on display.
Bubble glass above the bar provides a bit of contrast. "We put glass there because it allows our friends to wander in and help themselves to drinks," says Young. "It's easier for them to do so if they can see what's in the cabinets."
Marmoleum. This true linoleum product is often used in schools and hospitals because it's extra durable but still feels soft and wears well. Although it took a while to find someone to install it in a residential project, it was worth the search.
pivoting bar top. Attached to the countertop by a rotating grommet, it is an incredibly functional seating solution for this kitchen's layout.
pivoting bar top. Attached to the countertop by a rotating grommet, it is an incredibly functional seating solution for this kitchen's layout.
Pink in the kitchen? Interesting
In the summer kitchen, watery glass backsplash tiles and counters made of recycled glass reflect the light, add polish and contrast with the rough-hewn post and beam construction. A walnut cutting board relates back to the thick beams and barn wood.
Cabinets-counter color-backsplash
Window under porch
"Being tall is an advantage, especially in business. People will always remember you. And if you're in a crowd, you'll always have some clean air to breathe." Adding cabinets above your upper cabinets is a great way to make the most of an often wasted space — that gap between upper cabinets and the ceiling. I mean, yuck, have you ever actually cleaned up there? It's disgusting! Way up high, glass-front cabinets give you a chance to display beloved items, while solid fronts provide storage space for lesser-used items. Since most of us are shorter than Julia Child was, incorporate a step stool somewhere close by.
Visual Cuing Another important aspect of lighting a space for those with diminishing eyesight is visual cuing. Visual cuing provides an additional reference point for judging distance or depth when entering a space or approaching objects. The lighting at the base of these cabinets, or toe-kick lighting, contrasts well with the dark floor and midtone cabinetry, creating a readily visible contrast. But people will just think it's cool. More: Kitchen storage that works for all
Opt for Xenon or LED lights for bright and warm yet accurate color rendering. Always make sure there is a diffuser or lens on the fixture itself to help evenly distribute the light and reduce any hot spots on the counter. As we age, we will require two to five times more light to perform the same tasks we did at a younger age.
Under cabinet lights are important too
Use more can lights - in the dining room too.
Cabinet and countertop
Cabinet and counter colors
Handles
A hanging shoe organizer provides easy access to those odds and ends that would otherwise swamp a junk drawer. Hang one over your pantry door for a self-serve snack station.
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